Agenda and decisions

To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any personal, disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Purpose: to seek Executive approval to award the Highways Term Maintenance Contract covering the period from 01 October 2026 for an initial period of seven years to 30 September 2033, with the option to agree a further three-year extension period until 30 September 2036.

Resolved that: Executive resolves to

·         award the contract for the Highways Term Maintenance Contract for the initial period covering 01 October 2026 to 30 September 2033 (with a three-year extension clause) to the successful bidder.

·         delegate authority to the Service Lead Legal & Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director (Place) to:

o    finalise the terms of the agreement as set out in the tender documents and to make any necessary drafting or other amendments (such amendment shall not be substantial or material) to the terms of the agreement necessary to produce a final agreement for execution and to enter into that agreement; and

o   finalise and enter into an appropriate lease agreement required for the contractor’s use of the Chieveley depot.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      a delay in implementing the decision this would cause the Council serious financial implications or could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Purpose: to seek authorisation from the Executive to commence preparation of a new West Berkshire Local Plan (WBLP) and publish the Notice of Intention to Commence by 30 June 2026. Also, to approve a proposed timetable for preparing the Plan, and to provide delegated authority for the Service Director for Development and Housing in consultation with the Executive Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, to approve and publish updates to the timetable as may be necessary. The report also asks the Executive to support the establishment of an advisory cross-party member Local Plan Working Group to support preparation of the Plan.

Resolved that: Executive

·         To endorse the establishment of an advisory cross-party member Local Plan Working Group which will be utilised to inform the preparation and approach to the Local Plan with full terms of reference to be established and agreed by the Working Group.

·         That approval is given to publish the West Berkshire Local Plan timetable in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

·         That approval is given to publish the Council’s formal Notice of Intention to Commence the West Berkshire Local Plan on or before 30 June 2026 in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

·         That authority is delegated to the Service Director for Development and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing to:

I. Approve and publish updates to the timetable as may be necessary.

II. Prepare and undertake a scoping consultation in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

III. Approve, publish and submit the required documents and statements for statutory Gateway 1.

IV. Approve evidence documents, reports and supporting data and analysis for publication.

V. After having regard to the advice of the Local Plan Working Group, to prepare and consult on the proposed Local Plan content and evidence prior to Gateway 2.

VI. Approve, publish and submit the required documents and statements for statutory Gateway 2.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      a delay in implementing the decision this would cause the Council serious financial implications or could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Purpose: to approve the recommended changes following public consultation and adopt the West Berkshire Council Planning Enforcement Plan 2026.

Resolved that: Executive

To approve the recommended changes following public consultation and adopt the West Berkshire Council Planning Enforcement Plan 2026

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 19 June 2026, then it will be implemented.

Purpose: to introduce a new Procurement Strategy and ‘Think Local’ Social Value Strategy that will improve procurement and commissioning across West Berkshire with greater market engagement to encourage small and medium sized enterprises and the voluntary sector to work with the Council.

Resolved that:

·         That Executive adopt the Procurement Strategy

·         The Executive adopt the “Think Local” Social Value Strategy

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 19 June 2026, then it will be implemented.

Purpose: to seek approval to publish the All?Age Autism Strategy, a key document that outlines the council’s commitment to ensuring that people living with autism in the district can lead rewarding and fulfilling lives, and that they, their families, and their carers receive the support they need.

In an amendment to the recommendation within the report ‘that the attached strategy is adopted’, the Executive agreed the below decision:

Resolved: Executive agree that the All Age Autism Strategy shall be publicly consulted on and return to a later date for consideration of the consultation outcomes.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 19 June 2026, then it will be implemented.

Purpose: to seek approval for the adoption and implementation of the Assets Optimisation Plan, which forms a key component of the Council’s Finance Improvement Plan agreed in December 2025 and supports the Council’s financial recovery and long-term sustainability.

Resolved that: Executive

·         Approve the Assets Optimisation Plan as the Council’s framework for the review, optimisation and disposal of its asset portfolio, as detailed at Appendix A.

·         Note that the Plan forms a core component of the Finance Improvement Plan approved in December 2025.

·         Delegate authority to progress asset optimisation and disposal proposals in accordance with the governance framework set out in the Plan and in accordance with the Constitution

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 19 June 2026, then it will be implemented.

RECOMMENDATION: That members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information of the description contained in the paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 specified in brackets in the heading of each item. Section 10 of Part 10 of the Constitution refers.

(Paragraph 3 – information relating to financial/business affairs of particular person)

(Paragraph 5 – information relating to legal privilege)

Purpose: to seek Executive approval to award the Highways Term Maintenance Contract covering the period from 01 October 2026 for an initial period of seven years to 30 September 2033, with the option to agree a further three-year extension period until 30 September 2036.